A snooker pocket rail system (10) that provides an atmospheric control system (24) for heating the atmosphere in a region adjacent the rails (14) where one or more balls (18) are supported in use. This maintains the temperature of the balls (18) when not in playso as to reduce adverse playing effects, such as kick, when the balls (18) are placed back onto the snooker table. The snooker pocket rail system (10) has a ball ring (12) from which the pocket rail (14) is suspended, in use, below a pocket by a net; an end stop (20); a plurality of rails (14) affixed at one end to the ball ring (12) and at their opposite ends to the end stop (20); and suspension means (26). The atmospheric control system (24) can be a heated air supply which directs (80, 84) heated air onto the balls (18) when suspended on the rails (14), or heated rails (14).